Cosmetic Dentistry

As people age, teeth generally darken. Although shade is not necessarily an indication of a healthy mouth, it appears so to others. Teeth whitening is an easy fix that not only makes a smile look better, but boosts confidence. If you are a person with sensitivity issues like cracked teeth, there are whitening products for you. Special ingredients that help with the sensitivity can make a difference.People with darker teeth or heavy, deep stains will take longer to remove. Teeth whitening will probably be a more lengthy process.

Teeth whitening is a relatively easy process that can make a significant difference in a smile. If you are interested in whitening your teeth, a dentist can help you with the best method. Although teeth whitening is always an ongoing process, once they reach a white shade, touch-ups are easy.

For more information, visit our detailed Tooth Whitening page

Southern Smiles provides high quality, composite and amalgam dental fillings for patients throughout Mobile and the Eastern Shore. Tooth decay leads to cavities. If left untreated, a cavity can compromise the remaining structure of a tooth and even lead to tooth loss. It can also cause a very painful situation for those affected. If you have a cavity or multiple cavities, it is important to seek the appropriate dental treatment as soon as possible. In some cases, a composite or amalgam dental filling can be applied to fill in the decayed portion of the tooth and restore its form and function. Our talented restorative dentist applies dental fillings that are constructed of high quality, durable materials such as composite. This composite is composed of a resin that is attractive in appearance and durable enough to withstand the wear and tear of chewing. To ensure that dental fillings are a painless, comfortable experience for our patients, we offer laughing gas as well as local anesthesia.

For more information, visit our detailed White Fillings page

Amalgam fillings removal has become a very popular dental procedure as many patients prefer the look of tooth-colored fillings over amalgam fillings. If you have old amalgam fillings in your mouth and desire a more natural appearance, our talented dentist can safely and effectively remove your amalgam fillings and replace them with a natural-looking composite-resin.

It is important to understand that the removal of amalgam fillings is not necessary to ensure health. Elective removal of amalgam fillings can be done for cosmetic reasons alone, however, amalgam in and of itself does not necessity replacement.

Bonding is a popular treatment option because it provides a successful attachment between the filling material and the tooth’s original enamel and dentin. It looks like the original tooth and functions like it as well. Direct composite bonding is used to recreate a smile in an additive manner, where little or no tooth reduction is needed. Direct bonding, in the hands of a skilled operator, is less costly than porcelain veneers and crowns and can be long-lasting with proper maintenance. It is important to consider all material choices when undergoing tooth replacement.

Teeth are a perfect combination of both strength and resilience and this is created through the fusion of enamel and dentin. Enamel is the outer shell of the tooth or the portion that is visible within the mouth. It is composed of densely packed calcium crystals which are very hard and resistant to wear.

Dentin is the inner core of the tooth and is much more porous. Constructed of collagen tubes with calcium crystals, dentin is living tissue and transmits nerve sensation.

Tooth bonding is used in several different ways, but is probably most useful for repairing chipped teeth. Bonding materials (high-density, modern plastics called composite resin) and porcelain—are more natural in color and can be designed to perfectly match the surrounding teeth--can make it difficult to discern there ever was a broken tooth. It is important when repairing broken or chipped teeth to understand the underlying cause. Often times a chipped or worn tooth can indicate bruxism or grinding. Sometimes a more comprehensive treatment is indicated when multiple teeth are worn or chipped.

Porcelain veneers are very thin porcelain facings that are bonded onto the front side of your teeth to change shape, color, size and spacing of your teeth. They are made of porcelain and are extremely durable, stain resistant, natural-looking and easy to maintain. Veneers are custom-fitted to your teeth by removing a small amount of enamel and bonding the veneer to your teeth. You can expect veneers to stay bright and strong for many years by performing good oral hygiene. They have a lifelike appearance with the strength, beauty and durability that only porcelain restorations offer. In addition, they will not discolor or wear like natural tooth enamel. Meticulous records, measurements and photographs are used to evaluate your smile needs and determine what it will take to produce a perfect smile for you. Veneers can be one of the most conservative treatment options to give you the smile you deserve.

What smile problems can Porcelain Veneers help?

• Spaces between your teeth
• Broken or chipped teeth
• Unsightly, stained or washed-out fillings
• Permanently stained or discolored teeth
• Misshapen or crooked teeth
• Dark, yellow or stained teeth

For more information, visit our detailed Porcelain Veneers page

Dental Inlays and Onlays are porcelain fillings--most commonly, but can be made of metal or composite-- that are alternatives to crowns. When a tooth is cracked, or an old filling (amalgam filling) is leaking/failing, an inlay or onlay is an ideal way to restore the tooth. Dentists used to have to grind teeth down to nubs and place crowns on teeth, but not anymore. Dr. Krempa prefers to keep your teeth intact and restore only the unhealthy or unstable parts of your teeth. Inlays and Onlays are more conservative than crowns for that reaso and they don’t result in that ugly gray line at the gum. Once your porcelain restoration is bonded in place, your tooth will be stronger than it was before; your tooth will be able to bear up to 75 percent more chewing force. And, in some cases, your tooth will be just as strong as it was originally – before it was ever decayed or broken. Dental Inlays and Onlays are the ideal option for restoring cracked or decayed teeth, as well as for all amalgam replacements.

Teeth are typically restored by the use of fillings. However, when too much of a tooth's structure is removed to support a filling, a crown or "cap" may be needed. The crown reinforces the existing filling and the remaining tooth structure and helps avoid more extensive procedures like root canals or other periodontal treatments.

A crown may be needed to

• Attach bridges
• Restore a tooth when it is unable to support a large filling
• Cover badly shaped or discolored teeth
• Protect a weak tooth from fracturing or restore fractured teeth 
• Cover dental implants
• Change tooth shape, size and color for cosmetic reasons

Crowns may be made entirely of gold, porcelain fused to a gold, or other methods to substrate for strength and aesthetic appeal. However, using new technology, crowns can be made entirely from high-strength ceramic and porcelain for beautiful cosmetic results.

For more information, visit our detailed Crowns page here

Healthy teeth support and maintain the alignment of your jaw. When you lose one or more teeth, your remaining teeth may move, and the ability to bite and talk may be affected. A bridge replaces missing teeth with artificial teeth, rectifying the gap where those teeth had been.

A bridge is bonded to surrounding teeth for support. Regardless of the type of bridge recommended, its success depends on keeping the surrounding teeth healthy and strong.

Flossing is very important. Occasionally teeth are bridged together to help support a weak tooth.

What exactly is a full-mouth restoration?
A full-mouth restoration, also referred to as a full-mouth reconstruction, involves several cosmetic dentistry procedures designed to improve the health and appearance of your smile. Restorations are usually recommended for clients who have teeth that are damaged, worn down, or missing completely. Not only do damaged teeth negatively impact your smile appearance, they can also weaken your chewing ability and create bite imbalance. Depending on your degree of tooth damage, any of these dental treatments may be used to correct tooth condition: porcelain veneers, dental crowns, dental implants, tooth bonding, tooth-colored fillings, and dental bridges.

What can I expect during a full-mouth restoration?
First, you will visit one of our cosmetic dentists for a thorough evaluation. During this time, your dentist will do an oral exam, take X-rays, gather your dental history, check for neuromuscular problems, and make treatment recommendations. From this information the dentist can determine the available options for you to restore your mouth beautifully and functionally.

Will a full-mouth restoration make me look younger?
Teeth that are worn down, chipped, or missing can create a weathered, tired facial appearance. Investing in a full-mouth restoration can create a more youthful smile — and even result in you smiling more often. The neuromuscular treatments can help alleviate symptoms of a bad bite that can make you feel older than you are. All of the treatments used in a full-mouth restoration are created to be very natural-looking.

Am I a good full-mouth restoration candidate?
If you have severely damaged teeth, or you are suffering from symptoms of TMD, such as headaches, jaw pain, or popping sounds in the jaw, you may be a good candidate for a full-mouth restoration. If your mouth has been affected by gum disease, or missing teeth are causing your bite to be off balance, you most likely can benefit from this procedure. Clients who have worn down their teeth with grinding or clenching habits may also be good candidates. If you need a complete makeover to your smile, a full mouth restoration may be the best solution.

How much do full-mouth restoration procedures cost?
Full-mouth restorations are completely customized to fit each individual client’s needs. Therefore, the cost can vary greatly from person to person. To find out what your restoration might entail and get pricing information, schedule an appointment with Dr. Krempa today.